Occupational Therapist Pay

Austin vs Benbrook: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)

Compare occupational therapist salaries between Austin, TX and Benbrook, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Austin, TX
$125,785
$60.48/hr
Benbrook, TX
$100,059
$48.11/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAustin, TXBenbrook, TX
Median Salary$125,785$100,059
Hourly Rate$60.48$48.11
Entry Level (P10)$82,489$73,696
25th Percentile$101,493$82,381
75th Percentile$133,854$112,125
Top Earner (P90)$135,009$127,874
Total Employed1,6006
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Austin ($125,785) and Benbrook ($100,059) occupational therapist salaries.AustinBenbrookMedian Salary$125,785$100,059Entry Level (P10)$82,489$73,696Top Earner (P90)$135,009$127,874US Median $103,400

Verdict

Austin, TX offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Benbrook.

The salary gap between Austin and Benbrook is $25,726 (25.71%). Austin's median is +21.65% compared to the US national median of $103,400.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Austin spans $52,520,Benbrook spans $54,178. Benbrook has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapists.

Austin
P10 (Entry)$82,489
P25$101,493
Median$125,785
P75$133,854
P90 (Top)$135,009
Benbrook
P10 (Entry)$73,696
P25$82,381
Median$100,059
P75$112,125
P90 (Top)$127,874

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Austin ($128,266 effective) pays 23.06% more than Benbrook ($104,228 effective).

Austin
Nominal: $125,785
CoL Index: 98.066
Adjusted: $128,266
Benbrook
Nominal: $100,059
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $104,228

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Austin if…

  • Higher median salary ($125,785/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($135,009)
  • Larger job market (1,600 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $128,266)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Choose Benbrook if…

  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Austin grew 57.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 8.8% growth in Benbrook over the same period.

Austin, TX

+57.9%

$77,310 (2019) → $122,050 (2025)

Benbrook, TX

+8.8%

$89,217 (2024) → $97,088 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays occupational therapists more: Austin or Benbrook?

Austin has a higher median occupational therapist salary at $125,785/year, compared to Benbrook at $100,059/year — a difference of $25,726 (25.71%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and Benbrook?

Austin occupational therapists earn $60.48/hr while Benbrook hygienists earn $48.11/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Austin to Benbrook as a occupational therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Austin and Benbrook. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Austin = $128,266, Benbrook = $104,228), job availability (1,600 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Austin vs Benbrook?

Entry-level (10th percentile) occupational therapists earn $82,489 in Austin and $73,696 in Benbrook. The Austin area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JM

Written by Jordan Miller, OTR/L

Career Analyst

Jordan has 10 years of experience in occupational therapy. They specialize in pediatrics and work in a rehabilitation clinic.

Clinically reviewed by Sofia Chen, OTR/LData verified by Luis Garcia, OTR/L

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov